Portuguese-Americans in Fall River take sides for World Cup match

Wearing an American flag-style scarf, for Kyle Arruda it was a no-brainer: Go Team USA.

FALL RIVER — Wearing an American flag-style scarf, for Kyle Arruda it was a no-brainer: Go Team USA.

Arruda is currently serving in the Air Force in Ohio, and with pal Greg Morrissette, a military veteran who was wearing a similar American symbol, they came to watch the World Cup showdown between Portugal and the U.S. at the Taphouse Grille on South Main Street.

“I have no conflict,” said Arruda, referring to his Portuguese roots.

With last night’s draw between the two teams in the 2-2 match, Portugal is out of the World Cup unless Germany loses to the U.S. on Thursday.

If U.S. can win or draw with Germany, it will advance in the World Cup.

Louisa Tavares, who along with her three sisters was born in Portugal, was torn between supporting the two teams, and got her wish that the game would end in a draw — although the 2-2 final was no help to Portugal in the World Cup standings.

“I don’t want anyone to lose,” Tavares said.

Her sister, Evelyn Cloutier, had none of it, saying it was the U.S. all the way as she and her three sisters watched the game from a booth.

“I love America. It’s Team U.S., trust me honey,” Cloutier said.

Born in São Miguel in the Azores and raised in the United States, Andre Carreiro had no qualms rooting for his team, Portugal.

However, he worried about the team’s performance on Monday when the team lost to Germany in a 4-0 match.

“You never know, we’ll see what happens,” Carreiro said.

Sitting at the Taphouse bar waiting for the game to start, Gil Leite said that while he is Portuguese he is rooting for the Americans.

“I like a little controversy, It’s cool and fun,” said Leite, “I think whoever is best prepared will win.”

At the bar at the T.A. Restaurant, fans seemed fairly divided between the U.S. and Portugal, except for City Councilor Paul DaSilva, who said it was tough to choose because if Portugal lost, they were out of World Cup contention.

That didn’t stop DaSilva from jumping up and cheering when the U.S. scored its second goal as the game was winding down.

Bristol County District Attorney Samuel Sutter was one of the fans, watching the game with family and friends. He admitted to giving a politician’s answer to the question of which team he was supporting.

“I’m rooting for a good game,” Sutter said.

Longtime patron Agostino “Mr. T.” Melo, wearing a green fuzzy cap, took to the middle of the bar for a bit of a jig after the U.S. score.

“I’m born in Portugal, but the United States is my favorite,” Melo said.

He vowed to perform another dance when the team got another goal, Melo said.